The elaboration of the colorful macanas under the millenary Ikat technique (looms) is part of the Gualaceña identity. In San Pedro de los Olivos, km 10 of the Gualaceo-El Descanso route, the most skilled artisans live in making shawls (woolen cloths).
The workshop, La Casa de la Macana, by José Jiménez and his wife, Ana Ulloa, is one of the most visited. To make the cloth use cotton, wool or silk threads, previously dyed.
They place it on improvised waist looms tied in a penny of cabulla. For the openers the craftsman moves his hands and turns the threads quickly. At the end he is creatively creating figures of animals, flowers, mountains, birds …
The price of a macana ranges between USD 25 and 40 depending on the design. They also offer shawls, ponchos, bags, saddlebags. The service is from 06:00 to 18:00 from Monday to Sunday. Also, another existing workshop in the area is that of Mrs. Blanca Rodas.
